Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek returns a unit guidon to Capt. Nathan Scull, commander of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, during an official demobilization ceremony at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, Ore., June 14, 2026. Scull presented the guidon to Kotek at the unit's mobilization ceremony in May 2025, and it was displayed in the Oregon State Capitol throughout the Soldiers' deployment to the Horn of Africa as part of Task Force Bataan in support of U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Africa Command. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
SALEM, Ore. — More than 200 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers were formally welcomed home Sunday during a demobilization ceremony at the Salem Convention Center, marking the end of a nearly year-long deployment to the Horn of Africa in support of U.S. military operations overseas.
The ceremony recognized Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and Alpha Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, who mobilized in May 2025 and returned home on April 3, 2026. The units served as part of Task Force Bataan, a multi-state National Guard force consisting of more than 1,100 Soldiers from Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and Louisiana.
The task force supported U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Africa Command by conducting security and base defense operations at military installations in Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia.
“More than 200 Soldiers deployed. More than 200 now here at home,” said Brig. Gen. Philip DeMontigny, Assistant Adjutant General for the Oregon Army National Guard. “The mission was accomplished. The standard was upheld. Oregon is proud.”
DeMontigny, who previously served in the Horn of Africa and once commanded the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, reflected on the challenges faced by service members and their families during the deployment.
“I know the climate. I know the distance from home. I know what that deployment asks of a Soldier and a family,” he said.
According to Capt. Nathan Scull, commander of Bravo Company, Oregon Soldiers made significant contributions during the deployment. Engineers from Alpha Company constructed three new training ranges at Chabelley Airfield in Djibouti and implemented a secure communications network supporting military operations throughout the Djibouti Base Cluster.
The communications system was later selected by U.S. Africa Command as the model for similar installations across the region.
At Chabelley Airfield, Oregon Soldiers also provided security for MQ-9 Reaper drone operations conducting reconnaissance and strike missions throughout U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.
In Somalia, mortarmen from Bravo Company responded to an Al-Shabaab rocket attack at Kismayo Airfield, conducting counterbattery fire on the attack’s point of origin within three minutes.
“Three minutes,” DeMontigny said. “That is training, discipline, and the calm that only comes from Soldiers who know their job and trust the person next to them.”
Throughout the deployment, Task Force Bataan worked alongside military personnel from Greece, Italy, France, Lithuania, Japan, Germany and Spain. Oregon Soldiers also participated in multinational military proficiency events and supported Naval Special Warfare operations targeting ISIS-Somalia.
A select group of Oregon Soldiers was additionally chosen to assist in a sensitive mission supporting efforts to locate an American hostage held in West Africa. Scull served as officer-in-charge of the detachment, while 1st Sgt. Richard Bradeen served as noncommissioned officer-in-charge.
During the ceremony, DeMontigny acknowledged the sacrifices made by military families and employers who supported the deployed Soldiers.
“You too served,” he told the audience. “You managed households, took care of children, held down your own jobs, and absorbed the uncertainty so that your Soldier could be mission focused.”
He credited the unit’s success to three core values: connection, competence and commitment.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek also addressed the formation, praising the Soldiers for their service and professionalism.
“The relationships that you have formed with other units from other states, as well as other countries, are really, incredibly important,” Kotek said. “You have represented Oregon beyond reproach with such talent, with such skills, with such commitment.”
While the Soldiers reunited with their families during welcome-home events at local armories following their return in April, Sunday’s ceremony served as the official statewide recognition of their service.
The Oregon Army National Guard consists of approximately 5,500 Soldiers who serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers, pursuing education and supporting their communities across the state.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
